NUKZ vs. SHLD

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

NUKZ (Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NUKZ is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Range Nuclear Renaissance Index, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, NUKZ returned 11.04% vs -1.36% for SHLD. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NUKZ charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

NUKZ vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF (NUKZ) and Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NUKZ achieves a 1.17% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -6.71% return.

NUKZ

• 1D: 3.06%
• 1M: -10.09%
• 6M: -7.78%
• YTD: 1.17%
• 1Y: 11.04%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 45.34%

SHLD

• 1D: 0.37%
• 1M: -2.98%
• 6M: -21.51%
• YTD: -6.71%
• 1Y: -1.36%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 37.43%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

NUKZ vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NUKZ Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF	1.17%	56.57%	60.11%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-6.71%	74.16%	33.07%

Correlation

The correlation between NUKZ and SHLD is 0.52, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 24, 2024	0.48

The correlation between NUKZ and SHLD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.48 to 0.52 - a consistent structural relationship.

NUKZ vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NUKZ	SHLD
Industrials	47.1%	88.4%
Utilities	35.6%	-
Energy	11.2%	-
Basic Materials	4.7%	-
Technology	1.4%	11.6%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

NUKZ vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

NUKZ

NUKZ Risk / Return Rank: 18
NUKZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
NUKZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
NUKZ Omega Ratio Rank: 17
NUKZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
NUKZ Martin Ratio Rank: 19

SHLD

SHLD Risk / Return Rank: 10
SHLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
SHLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
SHLD Omega Ratio Rank: 10
SHLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
SHLD Martin Ratio Rank: 10

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

NUKZ vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF (NUKZ) and Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	NUKZ	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.36	-0.05	+0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.73	0.10	+0.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.08	1.01	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.61	-0.05	+0.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.40	-0.13	+1.53

NUKZ vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NUKZ Sharpe Ratio is 0.36, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of -0.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NUKZ and SHLD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

NUKZ vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NUKZ drawdown since its inception was -33.03%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -25.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NUKZ and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	NUKZ	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.03%	-25.40%	-7.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.23%	-25.40%	+7.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.73%	-22.53%	+6.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.31%	-3.98%	-2.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.89%	10.59%	-2.70%

Volatility

NUKZ vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF (NUKZ) is 6.97%, while Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has a volatility of 7.92%. This indicates that NUKZ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SHLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NUKZ	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.97%	7.92%	-0.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.22%	19.75%	+3.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.64%	25.08%	+5.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.68%	21.49%	+11.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.68%	21.49%	+11.19%

NUKZ vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

NUKZ has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

NUKZ vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

NUKZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.90%, more than SHLD's 0.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
NUKZ Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF	0.90%	0.91%	0.09%	0.00%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.70%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NUKZ and SHLD in my portfolio?

NUKZ and SHLD have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NUKZ or SHLD?

SHLD has higher volatility (7.92%) compared to NUKZ (6.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NUKZ dropped -33.03% vs SHLD's -25.40%.

Which ETF is better, NUKZ or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, NUKZ leads with 11.04% vs -1.36% for SHLD. On fees, SHLD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, NUKZ has been the lower-risk option at 6.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NUKZ or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, NUKZ has performed better with a 11.04% return vs -1.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NUKZ or SHLD?

SHLD is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for NUKZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NUKZ or SHLD?

NUKZ has the higher dividend yield at 0.90%, compared with 0.70% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between NUKZ and SHLD?

NUKZ is categorized as Energy Equities, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. NUKZ tracks Range Nuclear Renaissance Index, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. They also come from different issuers: Exchange Traded Concepts and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for NUKZ and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NUKZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.36 vs -0.05), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.